Multiple-punch press.



T. A. BANNIEG, In.

MULTIPLE PUNCH PRESS. V urmoums rmm JULY 2, 19m.

977,362. Patented Hai 29, 1910.

B SHEETS-33.5111 1.

647327765595: 17775; a t mamwlfl bwzrwyf mZ M T. A. BANKING, In. MULTIPLE PUNCH PRESS.

V APPLIGATION FILED JULY 2,1910. 927,36 Patented Nov. 29, 1910.

BBHIIETB-EKEET 2.

M3395: Jrzueizifi T. A. BANNING, JR. MULTIPLE PUNCH PRESS.

APPLIOATIOE 2mm JULY 2, 1910.

Patented Nov. 29, 1910.

B SHEETS-SHEET 3.

6 SHEBTE-SHEET 4.

Patented N0v.29,1910l 7517912 2- MamasJZ-Bzmga'gj urn- T. A. BANNING, J11. MULTIFLE PUNCH PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 2, 1910.

T. A. BANNIIIG, J12.

MULTIPLE PUNCH PRESS. APPLIOATIOH FILED JULY 2, 1910. 977,362, Patented Nov. 29, 1910.

8 SHEETS-B3321 5.

If (A'- THOMAS A. BANNING, JR., OF

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS,

OF CHICAGO, ILLLNOIS.

SSIGNOR TO FRANK THOMPSON,

MULTIPLE-PUNCH PRESS. i

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 29, 1910.

Application filed July 2, 1910. Serial No. 570,160.

To all 11: am it may concert:

Be it known that I, THOMAS A. Bys- Mxo, Jr., a citizen of the United States. rcsidin at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful lmprovements in Multiple- Punch Presses, of which the following is a specification.

This invention .:latcs to a form of multiple punch press which is intended o perform punching operations in a metal or other sheet in conformity with a prescribed plan of punching: as shown on a templct, which templet is prepared beforehand hy punching holes in it in accordance with the arrangement of the holes desired in the final product.

There are many punching operations carried on in which large sheets of metal must hi2 handled, whose total area renter than the capacity of any machine which it would be practical to build. In order to punch the holes in such a sheet. the latter would have to he moved through the machine hy sections. each section being properly punched whether the arrangement of holes in said section be the same as in another section or sections or not. In other words, inordcr to punch such a large sheet. the machine should he so constructed that it. will automatically alter the position and number of the working dies for each stroke, in accordance with the manner in which the holes should he punched corresponding to that stroke. For example. if it were desirable to punch holes around the periphery of a long sheet of uniform width dies should he set up in the first stroke to punch holes across the end of the sheet and for a certain distance along each side; for the next stroke dies should he setup to punch holes along the sides only; then there might be. a number of strokes similar to this previous one, and finally a stroke in which dies should be set up along the edges of the sheet and along its last end. In order to properly set up the dies for such a cycle of movements. the templetmight he of either of two forms: It might comprise a single loop which, when the cycle had been comleted, would havemoved entirely around in position to start a new cycle, or it might comprise a portion of a long tcmph-t on which were punched a numher of hole cycles all alike.

Objects of this invention are, to provide a. machine which may automatically carry on the punching operations in the metal sheet in accordance with the arrangeimnt of holes in a templet: to provide means for nrannally regulating the movements of the machine when desired, as, for example, in cases where it would not be safe to use a machine entirely automatic in its actions; to make use of air under compression as the medium for tiansniitting-control movements from the templetto the punchin dies,- to provide a machine having a capacity great enough to punch transverse as well as longitudinal rows of holes; to provide means for enahlin the use of only a portion of the machine when it is desired to punch narrow plates. thus effecting a saving in energy consumption and a saving of air and viriuallv providing one large machine comprised of it nuniher of units, which, however, may he interlocked and made to operate as a single machine when desired: to provide means for punching the holes in accordance with any cycle of movements desired: to provide incaus'for feeding the plate during! each punching operation a1. amount corresponding to the capacity of the machine. or an amount corresponding to proper indications on the teinplct; to provide means for ctlecting a total amount of feeding durin; the cycle. corresponding to the length of puxte which should he acted upon during that cycle and regardless of the total length of pla.te-iu other words. to provide a machine which will automatically punch holes in the proper locations in a sheet of any length. and alter having cduipleled such an operation he ready to repeat it: to interlock the movements otthe templcl. the mou-mculs of the dies. and the movements of the plate in such a way that (Otllliclilifi movcuwuts can not occur. as, for example. attempting to move the plate while the punch head is poi-- forming a working stroke, and to prmitlc such interlocking whether the machine he used as an entirely autonomic machine r-r as a semi-automatic machine. or aa nmnuully controlled machine: to provide means for insuring a positive control of the die UHF-(vments regardless of the size of the n'mcliinethat is, regardless of the number of dies and the size of the press-head and at the so me time to insure that the. minimum amount of air leakage shall occur; to provide means enabling a templet to be quickly removed and replaced by another one, either of the same length or of a ditterent length; to provide a machine whose parts are arranged in such a manner as to be easily accessible for purposes of replacement or repair; to provide a machine of arrangement such as to permit parts to be replaced with a minimum of trouble and expense; to provide means for insuring a positive action of those punching dies which are intended to be used during each stroke; to provide means for adjusting the. various parts with respect to each other, so as to obtain the most satisfactory operation under each set of conditions, and in other ways and manners to provide a machine of simple construction and yet one which shall be capable of performing all of the functions before stated, as well as others which will appear from time to time in this specification.

Other objects and uses will appear from a detailed description of the invention, which consists in the features of construction and combination of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

Referring to the drawingsl*igure 1 shows a plan view of one of my multiple punch presses making use of a templet of closed band type, the upper portion of the templet. being cut away so as to reveal the air chambers beneath, and a portion of one air chamber being cut away so as to show its interior, the machine illustrated being of the automatic type but not being shown as provided with means for splitting it into two or more sections which may operate senii-independently of each other; Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the machine of Fig. 1, portions of the press-head being cut away to show the constructii'm of the movable dies; Fig. I} is a side elevation of the machinrof Fig. 1. portions of the pressdiead and lower dic plate being cut away to show the dies and the air chamber and adjacent parts being shown in section so as to Show the umnner in which air will pass from the chamber down through holes in the templct into the proper cylinder feed pipes; Fig. at is an enlarged detail of the idler end of a clo-ed hand templet and adjacent parts in t't'lltlll. showing the manner in which air leahagc at the tcinplct is prevented; Fig. 5 i an enlarged detail in section of two die members, one of them being shown in working position and the other one in idle position: Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail of one form of air \alve. showing it as applied to a l'uiits'ttiit'llflll in which the air chambers arc t'ed independently with air from a main supply source, as would be the case when opt-rating the machine split into a number of se tions: Fig. 7 is a detail section of the air valve of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a detail section of a portion of the tcmplet, showing one of in the movable. press-twat],

the

. e the electrical.control slots and w working through such rlotsz h an electrical diagram showing in t circuits preferred when u ing! l l in an entirelv automatic manncit 13 an electrical diagram showing i-"fl 'i which might be used for manfl l 3 Fig. 11 is a detail of a portion 1119 gram of Fig. 9, showing how ti." lillitl' y be modified when it is desired to H h s P chine as a split machinc; and l h;- 15 11 diagram showing the manner in Mind! the machine may be inadc to autonml y feed ditl'erent lengths: of plate and i wi P paratory to dittercnt strokes oi chiue.

In the embodiment of my invention 11 provide a stationary die incinbri Prom-(19h with a plurality of female tiHH and 1 ml erl r supported and adapted t f 'y l sheet of metal. Above this stat l z the member I provide a movable. pl 119ml which can be raised and loworoitm perform the punching operations. 'i mnmlfle punch head is provided in its l .lwith a plurality of die 1 bers which may retract into the ocltcts but which, when projected, register with holes in the stationary die Jin a In order to cause the pr pf' to )5? main in working position during! forklllg stroke. I provide means for prct ll l the retracti n of these dies back into H1011 596kets during that stroke. 'lheso m ans comprise pneumatic pistons, rl g may be. forced out by counnra position to engage the dies f f ham dropped into working positl' i i thereafter they cannot be forced buck the sockets until the. pistons havc W011 Withdrawn.

The templet may comprise a li Q 'H of flexible material- -for oxaiop i 93 properly punched with holes Hrfd l sitions. the same as thoi-lc. dcsircli Hi f111111 product. On one side of this tl'tiil R vide one or more air chambers. t' l W}; on one side a series of bosses pi' j' fi holes communicating with the interior of the chamber and in position to r holes in the templet. U11 the otu 0f the tcmplet I support a plate, hi flvlbic provided with a plurality of ]Wl lmfisis in alineznent with the l'r FS I ber. I'lach perforation oi the la t HWHUUPQIQ plate is properly connmtcd, as f l air hose. with one of the pneumatic yl rs so tout when a hole in the tcmph-t com s into boo with pm of the bosses on the air hum d like wise one of the bosses on the pla may pass from the chamber through lf the tcmplet, through the pcrtmiflj the plate. and down tbrollt' i" Pmim. p i hoapiston will vent the retraction of the corresponding die Within its socket. Then when the punching movement of the press-head takes place, this die will be held in working projected position so that it will punch a hole in the plate.

In order to unlock each and every die after each punching operation, I provide an air valve so connected and controlled that immediately after withdrawing or raising the punch head the air will be exhausted from the air chamber and therefore from. all of the cylinders which might have been supplied with air (hiring the, previous stroke. After thus exhausting the air, and while the press-head is still in raised position. mechanisms are setin motion to advance the plate and templet a proper amount preparatory to performing: the succeeding punching stroke. When the plate and templcthave ceased their movement. the aforcauentioned air valve is operated to admit air into the air chamber, and again all die-control pistons will be projected corresponding to perforations in the templet which may be in line with the proper bosses of the air chamher and plate, at that time. Thereafter, while still maintaining air pressure in the chamber and proper air cylinders, the presshead is forced down to perform the punching operation, the parts being so interlocked that no attempt can be made to advance either the plate or the templet.

Referring now to the drawings, the lower die member is shown at 13 1111b. supported by means of legs 14, 15, 1G and 17 (17 not being shown). The movable die member is shown at 18, and it comprises a heavy casting of approximately rectangular shape 19, supported between uprights 20, 21. 22 and 23 (23 notbeing shown). which uprights may be in the form of continuations of the legs 14, 1 1G and 17. Between the uprights and '23 and 21 and 22. respectively, are provided cross-members 24c and 35. respectively, which carry actuating shafts l6 and 27. each being provided with a pair of eccentrics 28 and '25 for raising and lowering the presshead through the medium of a correspondin; pair of links 30 and 31. At each end of each shaft is provided a gear 32, the pairs of gears at each end meshing with a driven gear 33. which may be driven in any suitable manner. as by means of a gear 34 meshing with the gear on a motor shaft.

Returning to the press-head. its lower surface is provided with a plurality of sockets 35, into each of which may retract the upper end 36 of a die 37. The lower surface of the press-head is likewise provided with a plurality of chambers 39. in proper communication with the chambers 3."). and each adapted to carry a pneumatic cylinder 39 whose piston-rod 40 may be projected out across the chamber in position to -thereupon be projected into position to prel block a movement of the upper end 36 of the corresponding die. In order to provide a f rm bearing for each of the piston rods 40, so that it will be able to withstand the heavy strains coming upon it in order to resist movements of the die member during the punchin; operation. I provide a wall 41 im mediately above the. path of the piston it), and a pocket 42 in the opposite wall of the socket 33. into which pocket the piston will move and find a bearing. lly this construction the piston is firmly supported on each side of the socket 35, so that the maximum strength will be available to resist movements of the die, inasmuch as the piston-rod will be in double shear. Likewise, in order to secure a firm bearing of the portion on the piston-rod, I cut the top of the former so as to p esent a semi-circular surface 433 (see Figs. '2 and 5), which surface will just receive the piston-rod -20. Each cylinder is provided with a spring 4%. which tends to retract the piston so that when air pressure is relieved the former will be witlr drawn from the ocket 35 to permit retraction of the die member.

The lower surface of the press-head comprises a plate 45, properly secured to the casting It) and provided with holes. each adapted to receive a cap =16, which will preventthe die member from falling out. By the provision of this,construction, in which the pneumatic cylinders are carried in sockets 3S and in which the die members retract within the sockets 35, the various parts may be easily assembled or disassembled at any time. as it is only necessary to remove the plate 45, or a portion thereof, to get at the proper working parts. Each cylinder is provided with a tapered nib -li", which may be driven into a hole 48 of the casting 19, said hole passing through the casting to its upper surface (scr- Figs. 2 and 3).

The upper surface of the press-head comprises a plate 49. so secured to the casting 19 as to provide an open space 50 between the plate and casting. Each hole 48 has driven into its upper end a pipe connection 51, which passes out through the plate 49 and to whose projecting end is attached a flexible air connection or boss 52. My object in prcvidiu; the pipe connectors 51 is as follows: Some of the die members-as. for example. e3are located in ditiieult or inaccessible portions of the press-head, so that it would be ditiicult to carry ah air hose back under the cross-member '25. By using a pipe such as 51. the connection may be carried a proper distance along in the space 50 and then brought out through the plate 49. where the air hose 54 may he conveniently attached.

Any suitable form of guideway may he used for the press-head, that illustrated v comprising plates a.) and a6 bolted to each i ner end of'the casting and projecting beyond the edges of the casting in a manner to en gage the uprights 21 and 22. Corresponding blocks of metal 57 and 58 may be bolted to the sides of the casting, likewise in position to engage the uprights. so as to pro ide guideways on the press-head and movable therewith.

The metal plate 551 rests on the top surface of the die member but rollers 60 and til are properly positioned so that the ends of the plate will be carried by them and so that rotation of these rollers will advance the plate. If desired. each roller may he. made of two or more sections, as best shown in rig. 2.

Turning, now. to the construction of the air chamber and associated parts, these are best illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4. Each air chamber 62 is in the form of a hollow casting, provided on its lower face with a plurality of hollow bosses (33. air chamber, or a portion thereof, is supbosses (35 in position to register with the bosses of the air chamber. *lach plate (34 is provided on its lowcrsurfacc with lugs (36, to which may be attached the air hose communicating to the cylinders. he templet 87 passes between the bosses 3 3 and (35, the bosses ('15 of the plate (34 being held firmly but flexibly against the lower surface of the templet (37. as by means of springs 68, whose compression can be ad- 5 T... .1 .111 oruci to and the templet, I provide each of thtair chamber bosses with a gasket and each of the plate bosses with a gasket 71. The lattergaskets may be of any shape, the preferred type being rectangular in section and set into a recess of the boss. Evidently the gaskets 70, being carried in the lower sur-- face 'of the buses 63, will tend to fall out when the templet is being changed. Therefore the preferred form of gasket in this location is one circular in section set within a circular recess of the bosses 63, said recess being countersunk so as to hold the gasketin position after once being forced into place.

The preferred manner of supporting the air chambers and plates is by means of a casting including cross-bars 7'2 and 73 extending between the cross-members 9A and 25, said casting also including cross members ft and 75 placed transversely with respect to the templet. Evidently means must be provided for removing belt templets sidewise from between the air chambers and corresponding plates. To this end, the members 7t and 75 may be rigidly secured to the casting or may be integral with it at their ends 76 and 77, respectively. but their ends 78 and 7 9 must be supported in such a man- Benenth each beneath the ends 78 and 79, so that bolts or.

studs 81 may be passed through the ends of the cross-members 74 and 75, down through these blocks of metal, and into the members 73 beneath. By withdrawing the studs and metal blocks, a space will be provided through which the templet; may be slid. At the same time, the air chambers will be rigidly carried when in use. Evidently the only strains coming upon the members 74 and 75 when removing a templet will be those due to the combined weights of the several parts, whereas when in use an additional or supplemental strain will be introduced in the form of compression of the springs 68. Each air chamber is provided at one end with lugs 82, which rest upon the cross member 75 and may be bolted thereto. The other end of each air chamber is provided with an air pipe 83, which pipes may sit within sockets in the cross member 74'. beported a plate t-l. provided with hollow fbelt form is illustrated as bein the most i suitable under ordinary circumstances.

This templct 67 passes over rollers 86 and 87 at the front and rear ends of the machine reinsure air-tight contact between the bo ses spectively. The roller 86 is provided with a shaft 87. which seats within slotted bearings SS and S9 properly carried by the frame of the machine. The slots of these hearings should slant in such a direction that tension on the templct will tend to hold the shaft down, tins preventing it from working out; in use. The roller 87 is provided with a shaft 90. which likewise sits within bearings J1 and 92. likewise slotted but in a direction opposite to that of the bearings 88 and 89. Each of the bearings 91 and 92 is mov bly carried in a lug {)3 or 94, so that it may he moved back and forth, thus carrying the roller 87 back and forth in order to properly adjust the distance between the rollers 86 and 87 corresponding to the length of belt being used. In order to hold. the bearings 91 and 92 in proper position, use may be made of tap bolts 95 and 96.

A motor 97 may he used to drive the rolls 60 and 61, which advance the plate, and the roller S which advances the belt 6' The shaft 98, which drives the belt roller, may be keyed to the shaft 87* as at 99, so that the roller 86 and shaft 87" can he lifted out from the bearings 88 and 89 in order to change the templet without disturbing the shaft 98.

The preferred form of valve for controlling the air in the air chambers is shown in Figs. 0 and T. It comprises a three-way plug 100 and a body portion 101 so arranged that when the plug thrown in the position of Fig. 7 air may pass directly from a pipe 102 to a pipe 103 which leads into the air chamber. and so that when the plug is rotated through 90' the pipe 102 will be entirely closed but air can discharge from the pipe 103 to atmosphere at 101. 111 order tocoutrol the movements of this 7 valve. 1 provide a solenoid 105 and a spring 106. which act in opposition on a lever 107 which is directly connected to the plug. The parts should preferably be arranged so that current passing through the solenoid will pull the lever against the tension of the spring into the position which allows air to pass from the pipe 102 into the chamber, and so that when current is released from the solenoid the spring will return the plug into the position which cuts otl the. supply of air and exhausts the air from the chamber.

Referring now to the diagrams shown in Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12-, I will explain the manner in which the several parts may be made to operate either entirely automatically or semi-automatically or manually, and I will explain the manner in which the device may be used for advancing the plate ditl'erent lengths, corresponding to ditlcrent strokes, but controlled by the markings in the templet. ln'each figure the templet is designated 108 and the punchings used to permit the flow of air into the different feed pipes are omitted for the. sake of simplicity. A source of electric power is shown at 109. in order to start and stop the templct and the rolls which control the movements of the plate, the motor 97 may he started and stopped for each successive movement. or the motor may be allowed to run continuously and a clutch be used for alternately connecting and disconnecting the motor from the teinplet shaft and from the shaftwhieh drives the feed rolls. The numeral 110 designates a motor or a clutch, depending upon which mode of transmission is used. In like manner the oresshead may he raised and lowered for each stroke by starting and stopping the motor or by allowing the motor to run continuously and making use of a clutch. Therefore the numeral 111 designates either the motor or the clutch which controls the movements of the press-head. A commutator 112 is COD- nected to the mechanismsin such a way that it will make one complete revolution for each complete stroke of the press-head, and a commutator 113 is connected to the shafts which control the movements of the templet and of the plate in a. manner to be hereinafter described. The commutator 112 comprises an insulating block carrying 122 will bear against the contact 121.

in its periphery one or more contacts 114 and 115, which may come into engagement with brushes 116 and 117, respectively; .lt will he understood that these contacts are axially displaced in the commutator in such manner that the brush 116 can only engage the contact 114 andtht brush 11.? can only engage the contact 115. A series of feed control slots 118 and a series of press-head slots 119 are provided in the tcmplet when 7 the machine is to operate in an automatic manner. These slots are so arranged that brushes 120, as in Fig. 8, may come together to close the electrical circuits when the slots are in the proper positions, but so that when the slots move away from the brushes the latter will be forced apart, thus breaking the circui i. The air controlled solenoid 105 is shown. as related to the other principal parts of the circuit. The commug5 tator 113 also comprises an insulatinghlock provided in its periphery with one or more contacts 121, against which may hear a brush 122 to close an electrical circuit.

In Fig. 9 the parts are shown in the relation which they would hear to each other While the press head was being operated. In this case current may pass up through wires 123 and 124 to one of the brushes of a slot 119, and thence through another wire 5 '12:: and through the solenoid 10:7 and connections 126 and 12? to the brush 122. it. will he understood that while the piesshead is operating the templet and plate are atrest. In this case the commutator 113 will also he at. rest in a position so that the b' ush urrentwill then fiow down through the connections 12S and 129, through the motor or clutch 111 and connections 130 and 131. back 1 5 to the source of current. Thus the presshead will be operated when the templet and feed plate are at rest.

Shortly before the press-head completes its tip-stroke, but after the dies have disen- 10 gaged from the metal plate, the contact 111 will wipe against the brush 116. thus throwing a charge of current through the connections 132, 133 and 134 and motor or clutch and connections 135, 136 and 131, back to the source of current. This momentary contact existing between the parts 114 and 116 will serve to start the templet on its movement so that the bridge 13? between two consecutive slots 118 will be moved out; of the way, thus permitting brush 138 to fall together, comprising an electrical circuit through the connections 139, 140 and 13s to the motor or clutch 110. By the time that this circuit has been completed, the contact 114 will have moved past the brush 116 and the contact 115 will have come into engagemerit with the brush 117, so that a supply of electric current will be fed to the clutch or motor 110 through the brushes which are in engagement through the slot 118. The mo,-

tor or clutch 110 will thereafter continue to drive the templet and metal plate forward until the bridge 111 slides in between the brushes and opens the circuit. By the time that this has happened, the contact 121 on the commutator 113 will have come into engagement with the brush 122, and the brushes 142 will have come together in the slot 119, so that an electrical circuit will be completed through the motor or clutch 111, which will thereupon start to operate the press-head to perform a new cycle. In this manner all of the operations mayabe made entirely automatic and may be interlocked so that the temp'let and plate will be moved forward a proper amount corresponding to the length of the slot 118, and as soon as their movement has completed the presshead will start its movements. When the press-head has completed its operation, the templet and plate will again be advanced to perform a new cycle.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the commutator 11 1 is mounted on a shaft 143, which carries a worm gear 114, and a worm 145 on the shaf 98 drives the gear 144 so that the commutator 113 makes exactly one revolution while the templet is advanced a length corresponding to the slots 118. In other words, all of the slots 118 must he of equal length with the arrangement shown, which means that the templet and plate must always advance the same amount.

In order to rovide an arrangement wherein the temp et and plate may be ad- \auccd different amounts, corresponding to diti'erent strokes, I provide the following arrangement. Referring to Fig. 12, the slots 113 are seen to be of ditlerent lengths, but corresponding to each of these slots is a slot 119 which interlocks the movements of the press-head with the movements of the templet and plate. The commutator 113 in this case is of such diameter, and is driven by the worm 1-15 and gear 141 in such manner, that the commutator makes one revolution after the press-head has operated a number of times. That is to say, that several strokes of the press-head and corresponding movements of the templet and plate occur while the conuuutator 113 makes one revolution. A number of contacts 146 are rovided on this commutator and spaced from each other distances corresponding to the lengths of the slots 118, so that at the instant the brushes 13-5 are separated by a bridge 13? the proper contact 146 will bridge the brush 122 and the brushes 142 will come into engagement through the slot 119 to start the ower which operates the press-head. It, 101' example, there were four movements of the templet and plate, of different lengths, succeeding each other, then there would be four contacts on the l l l l commutator 113, so that the latter would make one revolution during the time consumed in four movements of the press-head, and then the commutator and the slots 118 would he in position to repeat the cycle.

In order to provide for the use of different diameters of commutator 113, and in. order to provide some flexibility in the coupling of the worm 145 and the gear 144. the commutator and gear may be mounted on the bracket 14?, which can he raised and lowered with respect to the frame of the 'machine, corresponding to different diameters of the gear.

In order to permit of a certain amount of manual contr l, even when using the automatic connections, switches 148 and .149 may be placed in the press-head circuit and in the feed circuit respectively. These will permit of stopping the mechanism at any instant should occasion arise.

It will he noted that two means are pro vidcd for opening the press-head circuit under normal conditions. These comprise the slots 119 and the commutator 113. In other words, the circuit will be broken a both of these points together when the presshead should not move. Obviously, the commutator 11:.- may be short-circuited when desired, as by means of a switch 150, in which case the only means remaining for opening the press-head circuit, and thus stopping the movements of the press-head, will be the slots 119 in the templet. Also it is seen that. by placing the air-controlled solenoid 105 in the circuit which includes the press-head operations, this solenoid, and therefore the air valve, will be properly operated in conformity to the movements of the rest of the apoaratus. In other words. the air valve will be opened to permit air to enter the chambers during the entire movement of the press-head, after which the solenoid will be deiincrgized, thus exhausting the air from the chamber as is desired.

In Fig. 10 I show connections for a manual control of the parts, but means are provided for interlocking the press-head move ments with the feeding movements so that the two cannot occur simultaneously. That is to say, while the feeding operation takes place during which the templet and plate are advanced, the press-heed cannot move, because the contact on the commutator 113 does not complete a circuit through its brush.

As has been above stated, it is desirable to be able to use this machine as a split machine, in which case it virtually operates as two units brought together within one frame. In this case, a narrow temfllet may be provided for each of the air chambers, each templet being of a width corresponding to that chamber. In this case, also,'ach

templet would be provided. with the slots necessary for performing the proper movements of the rest of the mechanism. includinp, the turning on and oil' of air by the air valves.

Another method of operat-i n might be used. which would be the use of a wide templct properly )unchcd or arranged to operate the air Ya ves of the several chambers in propiu' relation to each other. Such a scheme is shown diagrannnatically in Fig. 11. In this ase two sets oi slots 119' are provided, one at each side of the belt, and two solenoids 105 may be operated by the contacts which work in the two sets of slots 119. These two solenoids are connected together in shunt between the wires 12-1: and 126. so that whenever the )ress-head circuit is comp eted in the rest 0 its parts it will include either or both of the solenoids 165, fltCOl'CllIz" to whether slots 119 register with the brushes connected to both of these solenoids. In the diagram 11' theroare shown two slots. in positions to close both of the circuits while in the next location there is shown a slot for closing the circuit of the right-hand solenoid. hut not for closino that of the left-hand solenoid. This WOlllG correspond to a copdition where the air chamber corresponding to the lower half of the templet as to be operated at the next movement, out where the air chamber c-v rresponding to-the upper half of he templet was not to be operated.

Obviously the simp stway of providing a: positive drive for tl "emplet is to perforate the same near'its ev so that teeth on the drive roll 86 will (Badge these perforations to advance the tempiet. This is the preferred construction. for it-is very desir able that the ten'iplet move exactly the right amount tor each operation.

In i, 2 and 3 the various sets of brushes which complete the circuits through the slots are shown as carried by a bracket 151. This should preferably be on the side of the templet opposite to that from which the latter is withdrawn, so as not to interfcre with its insertion and replacement.

Although I have shown the use of mechanisms for permitting the templet and plate to be moved ditlerent distances, as associated with mechanisms which do not permit. the machine to be split, and thus make use of only one of the air chambers at a time, s ill it is evident that the devices of Figs. 11 and 12 may be used in the same combination, or, in fact, that any of the dillerent features herein shown and described may be used with any of the other features with which they do not conflict.

I claim:

1. In a multiple punch press, the combination of a movable press-head having in its lower face a plurality of retractable die members and a pneumatic piston for earn die member adapted when extended to retain the die member in. working projected position, a perforated tcmplet and an air chamber adjacent thereto and adapted to deliver compressed air through the perform tions of the lemplct to the die members \Thiiub) the (lie members are held in oper aliive position in accordance with the perforations of the templet. ubstantially as described.

3. In a multiple punch press, the combination of a movable press-head having: in its lower face a plurality of retractable die members and a plurality of pnenma tons adjacent the die members and r when extended to retain the die meant s n projected position. a perforated teinpiet 51x1 a hollow air chamber having on one face n plurality of bosses adjacent the templet and a plate adjacent the other side of the tertiplet and having a plurality of bosses in corresponding position to those of the air chamber. said last named bosses being pneumatically connected to the pistons in a manner whereby air may flew from the air chamber through the pertotations oi the templet. and connections to the pistons to retain the latter in projecl'er "-ositinn in orcoidz-zitee with the erforat us of the res:- plet, substantially as described.

3. in a multiple punch press. the (Millih nation of a movable press-head having in its lower face a plurality of retractahl die members and a perforated temple? and means for retaining the vetr:

in extended position in a the perforations of the tem let. advancing the templet and the means for operating the ore meat 7 for interlocking the mo the teinpiet and the plate and head substantially as described.

4. in a multiplepnnch press, in nation or" a movable press-head, a of movable die members therein an f rated slotted teinplet, and p7 callvcontrclled means for retaining able die. members in act-11' perforations of the lcinplet, feeding the teigplet plate in acct with the slots on the tunplct, subs a as described.

5. In a multiple punch press, the combination or a movable press-head. a plurality of movable die members therein. a' pet-Er rated and slotted tcmplet, means for moving the press-head and means for feeding the templot and plate in accordance with the slots of the templet, and means for interlocking said feeding means with the movements of the press-head, substantially as desc ibed.

6-. Ina multiple: punch press, the combination or a movable press-head having in T ll its lower face a ilurality of retractable die members and a pneumatic piston for retainiug each die member in operative position, a perforated teinplct and a plurality of hollow air chambers adjacent the templet, each air chamber being provided with a plurality of hollow air bosses adjacent the templet and a plurality of plates adjacent the other side-of the templrt and provided with a plu rality of hollow air bosses in line with the bosses of the plate being pneumatically connected with a piston, and flexible means for retaining each plate in frictional contact with the templet whereby the templet will be gripped in an air-tight manner between the bosses of the air chambers and the bosses of the plates, and means for controlling the flow of air to and from the air chambers, means for feeding the templet and plate, and means for moving the presshead, substantially as described.

7. In a multiple punch press, the combination of a movable press-hcadhaving in its lower face a plurality of retractable die members and a pneumatic piston for each die member adapted when. extended to retain the die. member in projected position, a perforated templet and a plurality of holwith a plurality of hollow air bosses in frictional contact with the tcmplet, and a plu rahty of flexibly supported plates each proling the dew of air to and from the air:

chambers in accordance with the movements of the press-head whereby when the presshead is in motion airwill be admitted to the air chambers and whereby when the press-head is at rest the a r will be exhausted from the chambers, substantially as described.

8. In a multiple punch press. the combination of a movable press-head having in its lower face a plurality of retractable die members and a pneumatic piston adjacent each die member and adapted when in extended position to retain the die member in projected working position, a perforated and slotted templet and a plurality of hollow air chambers adjacent the templet and each provided with a plurality of hollow bosses in frictional contact with one side of the templet, and a plurality of flexibly supported plates adjacent the other side of the templet and each provided with a plurality of hollow bosses in frictional contact there with, said last named bosses being in line with the bosses of the hollow air chambers and being each pneumatically connected to one of the aforesaid pistons, means for feeding the templet and plate in accordance Will] i the slots of the teinplet and means for rats- 1 ing and lowering the press-head, and means i for controlling the admission of air to and from the air chambers in accordance with slots of the tcmplet and in accordance with Ethe movements of the press-head, substantially as described. bosses of the air chamber each of the air 9. In a multiple punch press, the combination of a movable press-head having in 5 its lower face a plurality of retractabledie imembers and a pneumatic piston adjacent each the member and adapted when extended to retain the die member in pro ected working position, a perforated and slotted temple: and a plurality of hollow air c ambers adjacent thereto, each air chamber be; ing provided on one side with a pluraliay of fhollow bosses in frictional contact with the itemplet and a plurality of plates on the other side of the templet, each provided with a plurality of hollow air bosses in frictional icontact with the other side of t 1e temnlet and in line with the bosses of the air chamhers, each of the bosses of the plates being pneumatically connected to one of the pistons, means for raising and lowering the low air chambers each provided on one side press-head and means for feeding the temfiplet and plate in accordance with slots of the templet. and means for controlling the 3 flow of air to and from the air chambers in vided with a plurality of hollow air bosses T in frictional contact with the other side of accordance with slots of the hemplet and in accordance with the movements of the i press-head in a manner whereby when there is a perforation of the teinpletin line witn 3 one ofthe bosses of the air chamber air Wlll be admitted to that chamber during the working stroke of the press-head, substantially as described.

10. In a multiple punch press. the combination of a movable press-head having in its lower face a plurality of retractable die members and a pneumatic piston adjacent each die member and adapted when extended to retain the die member in projected working positicr, a perforated and slotted templetand a hollow air chamber adjacent thereto and provided on one face with a plu rality of hollowair bosses in frictional contact with one side of the templet and a plate adjacent the other side of the templet and provided with a plurality of hollow air bosses in line with the bosses of the air chamber and each pneumatically connected to a piston of the press-head, means for feeding the templet and plates distances proportioned to the lengths of slots in the templet, and means for raising and lowering the press-head, substantially as described.

THOMAS A. BANNING, JR.

Witnesses:

FRANCES M. Fnos'r, P. Bonn. 

